Backfire (1988): cast, story & where to watch
1988 · Film · ★ 5.1
Released in 1988, Backfire is a thriller, drama and mystery film directed by Gilbert Cates, running about 93 minutes. “Before the night is over... someone will be rich, someone will be dead, someone will be avenged.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Mara McAndrew's marriage is falling apart. Her husband, Donnie, a Vietnam veteran, suffers troubling flashbacks about the war, leaving him unresponsive to her needs. Mara wants out, but she also wants Donnie's money. When Mara meets a mysterious stranger, Reed, at a local bar, she believes she has found the right person to help her out of her predicament. But Mara worries that Donnie's sister, Jill, is on to her.
Who’s in it. Backfire stars Karen Allen as Mara McAndrew, Keith Carradine as Reed, Jeff Fahey as Donnie McAndrew and Bernie Casey as Clinton James, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.1/10, Backfire has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Backfire page.
If you liked it. Fans of Backfire tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Backfire (1988)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Backfire change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Backfire worth watching?
- Backfire holds an audience score of 5.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Backfire?
- Backfire stars Karen Allen, Keith Carradine, Jeff Fahey, Bernie Casey and Dean Paul Martin.
- When was Backfire released?
- Backfire was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 93 minutes.